Understanding the early struggles of learning guitar can help you anticipate roadblocks and push through them. By setting realistic goals, staying consistent, and focusing on the joy of learning, you can overcome the motivation barrier and become one of the few who stick with it. (Fact: approx. 90% quit within the first 12 months.)
Before we dive into how important it is to stay motivated, let’s first discuss the elephant in the room…
Why People Quit Early On
No Immediate Payoff
Unlike video games or other hobbies, where instant rewards are frequent, the guitar doesn’t provide immediate gratification. Learning guitar is a long-term investment, and without short-term “wins,” many people lose steam.
Frustration with Progress
Many beginners expect faster results, but playing guitar is a skill that requires time and patience. When progress feels slow, frustration sets in, leading to the loss of motivation.
Unrealistic Expectations
In the age of YouTube tutorials and social media, seeing others play effortlessly can make beginners feel inadequate. They compare themselves to players with years of experience, which creates unrealistic expectations.
Lack of Structure
Without a clear practice plan, beginners can feel overwhelmed by what to learn and when. The flood of information online often makes things worse, leading to decision fatigue and a lack of direction.
Physical Discomfort
Sore fingers, wrist pain, and hand fatigue are real barriers to staying consistent. Beginners might not anticipate these challenges and mistake them for signs they’re not cut out for playing guitar.
How to Stay Motivated
Set Realistic, Incremental Goals
Break down long-term goals into smaller steps. For example, aim to play through the intro of a favourite song, rather than mastering the entire piece at once.
Find Joy in the Process
Focus on playing music you love. Incorporating favorite songs into practice makes the process more enjoyable, reducing the pressure of technical perfection.
Build a Consistent Routine
Consistency is key. Commit to short, daily practice sessions rather than sporadic long ones. Even 20-30 minutes a day can yield significant progress over time. Just make sure you are using your practice time to practice something you need to improve upon or to learn something new.
Stay Inspired by Others
Immerse yourself in guitar culture. Whether it’s joining online communities, watching live performances, or jamming with friends, surrounding yourself with other musicians can re-energize your motivation.
Track Your Progress
Recording yourself every few weeks or keeping a practice journal allows you to see how much you’ve improved. Even small milestones, like smoother chord transitions or better timing, are worth celebrating.
Add Variety to Your Practice
Switch things up by learning new styles, riffs, or techniques. A diverse practice routine keeps boredom at bay and helps maintain focus and excitement.
You’ve got this! :0)